COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE

CPW will host two public meetings to discuss future of Basalt SWA shooting range

BASALT, Colo. - Colorado Parks and Wildlife will host the public at two meetings in Basalt to provide information, answer questions, listen to suggested solutions and find common ground with Roaring Fork Valley residents concerned about the future of the Basalt State Wildlife Area Shooting Range.

The first meeting will begin at 7-9 p.m., Aug. 21. The second meeting will begin at 6-8 p.m., Aug. 27. Both meetings will take place at the Basalt High School, 600 Southside Drive.

The CPW-owned range has been at the center of discussions within the community since two individuals allegedly using prohibited tracer ammunition in an unsafe manner apparently ignited brush above the range, leading to the approximately 13,000-acre Lake Christine wildfire. The suspects are currently awaiting trial, facing several charges including felony fourth-degree arson.

"Everyone in this community has gone through a very stressful time and we are very sympathetic to their concerns," said Area Wildlife Manager Perry Will of Glenwood Springs. "We encourage folks to come to these meetings, listen and to share ideas. It won't help to talk past each other. We need to hear each other out so we can move ahead in a constructive manner and the community can begin healing."

Will says the first meeting will provide a venue for the public to learn about the issues, the range, its operation and the circumstances surrounding the fire. Attendees will have the opportunity to offer suggestions for possible solutions. The second meeting will focus on group discussions and continue the process of finding solutions.

In addition to CPW personnel, local law enforcement and representatives from relevant governing bodies will be present to answer the public's questions.

"I look forward to meeting with folks that want to work together for the good of the community," said Will. "We expect to hear complaints, but we also expect folks to offer ideas for how we go forward in a positive way."

Will says the issue will take time to resolve. CPW will take the ideas provided during the meetings, in addition to ideas generated during future discussions, and use them to form effective management decisions going forward.

Who: Colorado Parks and Wildlife, local governments and agencies

What: Town meetings to discuss the Basalt State Wildlife Area shooting range

When: First meeting, 7-9 p.m., Aug. 21 / Second meeting, 6-8 p.m., Aug. 27

Where: Basalt High School, 600 Southside Drive.

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CPW is an enterprise agency, relying primarily on license sales, state parks fees and registration fees to support its operations, including: 41 state parks and more than 350 wildlife areas covering approximately 900,000 acres, management of fishing and hunting, wildlife watching, camping, motorized and non-motorized trails, boating and outdoor education. CPW's work contributes approximately $6 billion in total economic impact annually throughout Colorado.